Chlamydia: symptoms, screening, treatment
Chlamydia is a bacterium responsible for one of the most common STIs, and one of the least diagnosed because the disease is very often silent. However, it is still contagious even when there are no symptoms, and can have serious consequences for health. How can you tell if you have chlamydia? What are the symptoms? How can it be treated?
What is Chlamydia Trachomatis?
Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a bacterium (chlamydia trachomatis). It is very common, particularly among young adults, and does not always cause symptoms, but can lead to serious complications. Chlamydia can affect the genitals, throat and rectum.
It is therefore important to consult a doctor if you have any doubts, so that you can be screened quickly and treated if necessary.
What are the symptoms of chlamydia in women?
Symptoms of chlamydia in women can include bleeding during intercourse or between periods (spotting), burning and pain when urinating, as with female cystitis, vulval itching, yellowish vaginal discharge, pain in the lower abdomen, rectal pain and discharge from the anus. Only 30% of infected women experience symptoms. This poses a problem because the consequences can be dramatic...
What are the symptoms of chlamydia in men?
In men, chlamydia can cause symptoms such as urinary burning and pain, rectal pain and testicular pain. However, chlamydia only causes symptoms in 50% of affected men.
Is chlamydia serious?
In men, and especially in women, chlamydia can have serious consequences, including infertility. This happens when it is not detected and treated in time, as the disease is very often silent. Regular screening tests are therefore essential.
Complications of chlamydia infection in women can include:
- infection of the cervix;
- infection of the fallopian tubes (salpingitis);
- chronic inflammation of the pelvis, with chronic pain and a risk of infertility or ectopic pregnancy.
In men, chlamydia can lead to complications that can affect fertility, such as:
- inflammation of the prostate or prostatitis ;
- inflammation of the testicles and epididymitis;
- Fiessinger-Leroy-Reiter syndrome, which combines several pathologies (urethritis, rheumatism, conjunctivitis, skin lesions, etc.).
Chlamydia: screening and treatment
When and how should a screening test for chalmydia be carried out?
Screening for chlamydia is carried out systematically as part of STI screening (at least once a year for sexually active people). It is carried out at the same time as screening for trichomoniasis and gonococcal infection (gonorrhoea). Gonorrhoea is also silent in most cases. Tests for chlamydia can be carried out by urine analysis for men, and vaginal swab sampling for women in the laboratory.
These screening tests use PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) gene amplification techniques, as for the coronavirus. Some free screening centres offer chlamydia screening, but not always.
Treatment of chlamydia trachomatis
The bacterial infection of chlamydia is easily treated with antibiotic drugs (on prescription). Your doctor may prescribe
- treatment with azithromycin 1 g (4 x 250 mg tablets) to be taken all at once ;
- a course of doxycycline 100 mg taken twice a day for 7 days.
Pregnant women may be prescribed a single-dose course of azithromycin, or a longer course of erythromycin. On the other hand, if the infection is associated with a gonococcal infection, you will need to receive another antibiotic administered by intramuscular injection (Ceftriaxone).
Causes and transmission of chlamydia
How do you get chlamydia?
Chlamydia is transmitted mainly through unprotected sex with infected people. It can be transmitted through vaginal and anal intercourse, oral sex and foreplay. Chlamydia can also be transmitted from mother to child during childbirth.
Can you get chlamydia without having intercourse?
Chlamydia infection always occurs through sexual contact, whether through the exchange of sex toys, intimate intercourse, the exchange of bodily fluids or contact with mucous membranes, but transmission during cunnilingus is rare. Chlamydia cannot be transmitted by saliva, nor can it be transmitted by the hands unless they have been in contact with the contaminated area.
Two partners can transmit chlamydia to each other by being unfaithful, and even without making a mistake, since the disease can have been present for a long time without any apparent signs. You or your partner could have had chlamydia for 5 years, for example, without realising it, and still pass it on. That's why regular screening is recommended for sexually active people who have had several sexual partners.
Frequently asked questions
How can I get a prescription without going anywhere?
Whether you need a screening test or treatment for chlamydia, a doctor can issue you with a prescription via teleconsultation, if necessary. At the end of your video consultation, you can receive a prescription online, if the doctor issues one.
How do I speak to a doctor quickly if I'm not sure?
Do you have symptoms and think you might have an STI? If in doubt, don't wait to seek medical advice. Make an appointment and get medical advice quickly and, if necessary, a prescription online.
Who should I talk to about STIs, contraception or gynaecological problems?
When it comes to prescribing contraception, screening for STIs (e.g. HIV, genital herpes) or other illnesses affecting women (vulvovaginitis or vaginosis), you can consult gynaecologists or midwives on video. Ask all your questions in complete discretion and receive a prescription if necessary.